How to Install Drywall with a Drywall Hammer

A drywall hammer is used by professional drywall hangers due to its all-in-one design. A drywall hammer is often made out of titanium, which makes it very lightweight. This alone makes the hammer very easy to use. In addition to the lightweight characteristics of the drywall hammer, it also includes a cutting end, a nail set and a magnet. All of these extras make the drywall hammer a must-have tool if you are going to be hanging a lot of drywall. The article that follows will explain how to use a drywall hammer during a drywall hanging project.

Step 1 – Set the Drywall

Drywall comes in standard sizes which are meant to make installation easy. The sheets cover the space between the studs and are nailed directly to them. The width of the drywall covers one-half the width of the stud unless you cover the entire stud as you would at the corner of a wall. Place the sheet of drywall over the studs, and then use the drywall hammer to place nails at each corner of the drywall. Add more nails down the stud every 6 to 8 inches. The magnet on the end of the hammer will help hold the nail in place. The shape of the drywall hammer creates a dimple in the drywall which acts as a guide for the nail so that it sets deeper inside the stud. Continue installing the drywall until all sheets are hung.

Step 2 – Cutting the Drywall

Once the drywall is hung, you will see where holes need to be cut in the drywall. These will be for the outlets and pipes. The drywall hammer is fitted with an axe head which is used to cut the drywall as well as to remove the pieces. For larger sections, you will want to use a drywall knife. Cut the area out, tap it with the drywall hammer, and then remove the piece. If you need to trim full sheets of drywall, then you can do so by using a drywall knife to saw the drywall. If you need a clean edge, then use a straightedge and a utility knife to score the paper and then gently snap the drywall along the score.

Step 3 – Joints

Once the drywall is hung, you will need to create a clean surface. Apply the joint compound on top of the drywall nails to cover the dimples. Spread the compound out so that it is smooth and tapered on the surrounding drywall. Apply the drywall tape to all of the seams, using the trowel to smooth it out and remove any bubbles. Continue until all of the holes are filled, and then go back to where you started and sand the compound down until it is flush with the drywall. You will most likely have to apply a joint compound several times and sand it down before the holes are completely filled and smooth.